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The Music Tradition of Tory

North Coast of Tory - Image courtesy of Eimer Shea

A valuable addition to the cultural history of Tory Island was written in 2002 by the respected sean-nós singer Lillis Ó Laoire. Dr Ó Laoire is the author of Ar Chreag i Lár na Farraige: Amhráin agus Amhránaithe idToraigh, published in 2002. The book, title translated as On a Rock in the Middle of the Ocean: Songsand Singers in Tory Island, relates the story the story of music, song and dance in Ireland, by focusing on the renowned tradition found in Toraigh, Tory Island, Co. Donegal. Already studied in works by Jim Hunter and Robin Fox among others, the book addresses a gap in research by focusing on music and song performance in a serious way.

The book focuses on various aspects of music performance. Ó Laoire makes a distinction between different modes of learning, tóg and foghlaim. Singers made clear distinctions between these two modes and some examples of their experiences are included. The book also explores the how song and dance intersects to create and stimulate feelings of teas ‘heat/warmth’ and cumhaidh longing/pining. Such ideas are also found in other similar communities such as Newfoundland, where a similarly active performance cultures exists.

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How Cloughaneely got it's name

The Evil Eye Festival (named for mythological figure Balor of the Evil Eye) takes place in Falcarragh in the West Donegal parish of Cloughaneely, or in Irish, Cloich Cheann Fhaola meaning the Stone of Fhaola’s (Mac Aneely’s) Head. The festival aims to tell the story of how the parish...